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Yes, I find it interesting noticing the sign of the times and remembering that Jesus is the testimony of the Spirit of prophecy.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

@D. Adrien "Had a dream weaver hanging from my left ear. :) Varied between that and a gold stud." These days getting inked might be seen as being as simple as having an earlobe studded, right? .............. Quote ..in the rural Bible Belt. Just about every person in three of the four sides of my family (bio parents, step parents) have multiple tattoos. Most of them are biblical (crosses between the shoulder blades are the most common ones) getting tattoos when your old enough is pretty much expected in the family. source: reddit ................. FHII said: I was told it was addictive, but for me it was not....Probably 75% of the congregation have tattoos... Myself, the Pastor, his daughter and grand daughter included. Now, even my wife christianityboard dot com

One can always see personal conversion and collective local church going from strength to strength, even as the world may be going in completely the opposite direction.

Hi @Willa . Acts 2.41 and 42 give a clear account of the simplicity of the stages of understanding of those in the early church who were baptized.

It sounds a little bit like a Brethren church. Each person functions as the holy Spirit leads. By the way, both formulas for baptism are scriptural and therefore valid as for as I can see. However, repentance or turning away from a sinful life style to follow and trust in Jesus Christ as your God and Savior is pretty important. Read the New Testament noting verses that really get your attention. It is very common for people to have arguments on the way to church or as you have mentioned concerning communion. The enemy delights in upsetting us or causing us to doubt, so remember that he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Yeah, if you look around there are a number of Orthodox priests discussing the why of a large influx of seekers pursuing membership within the Church and a rather sizable segment being young men. The priests do not make the claim of feminization of Protestant Churches, others are making that claim. Concerning the stale application in the preaching or programming of the Church services, This is my opinion and it's formed from how I perceive the same typical subjects being discussed or preached year after year without any variance which leads me to being dull of hearing if I don't challenge myself. In all fairness though, my attendance has only been through video media or print for a number of decades.

@deva1 Reminds me of: How I praise Thee, precious Savior, That Thy love laid hold of me; Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me That I might Thy channel be. Refrain: Channels only, blessed Master, But with all Thy wondrous pow’r Flowing through us, Thou canst use us Every day and every hour.

@deva1 Yes. Witnessing young ppl likely go into the tattoo parlor for the joy of it, because they know it's already proven to work as a conversation-starter. ................................... GodsGrace said: almost every young girl I know has some sort of tatoo. Even those very conservative types. christianityboard dot com .................... Quote Around here (Bible Belt), it is common, especially among evangelical Christians, for the girls under about 40 to have religious tattoos. More do than don't, especially when you get to the under 30 crowd. I hardly know any female at church that is under 30 that does not have a tattoo. forums dot thewelltrainedmind dot com ..................

Similarly: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1.14

@Charlie744 Thanks for the 'like'; it's really self-evident from Scripture, I think.

Hi @walla299 Back you said: "I've learned at age 61 that the younger folks are going to follow the heard and one of the current "things" is tattoos. It's similar with beards and skinny leg jeans. That's their choice, but its not mine. I've never had a tatt, and I doubt I ever will unless the Lord has a reason for me to. My only concern would be for believers - we are to glorify the Lord in all we do, so getting a worldly tatt is probably not a great idea. Our (now) retired pastor was once a biker before he got saved and has some "leftover" tatts from the earlier life that have opened doors for witnessing in the past. Jesus can take just about anything in our lives and use it for the kingdom - we just have to let Him." You're right; it really isn't unusual for young Christians to wear skinny jeans. My wife and I talked to a shy young lady with the whole of John 3.16 tattooed on her wrist area; it was her favorite Bible verse and mine also, and I'm sure other conversations have arisen also as a result of her having been willing to go into the tattoo parlor. Maybe this result for her was pretty well the main reason for having it done in the first place. It transpires regularly that the most conservative of young ppl have gotten themselves tattooed with something faith-based and likely feel joy at the witness opportunities that directly result. (I'm sure you would understand this, right?)

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The Israeli military has intensified its operations in northern and central Gaza and Rafah, urging more neighborhoods to move to designated safe zones over the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft struck over 120 Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip, as detailed in a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday. UNRWA reported on Monday morning that close to 360,000 individuals have evacuated Rafah following the initial Israeli military evacuation order issued a week ago, with 60,000 fleeing in the last 24 hours alone. The IDF reported that ground forces clashed with Hamas terrorists in eastern Rafah, near the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. These operations led to the elimination of several terrorists and the seizure of rocket launchers and other weapons. Additionally, IDF soldiers discovered and confiscated weapons stored in a local school. The IDF is actively engaged in operations in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza as Hamas attempts to regroup. Several Hamas terrorists were killed in recent skirmishes, and the Israeli Air Force has targeted Hamas facilities, including underground sites and a building used by terrorists. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated on Saturday, “We have identified in recent weeks attempts by Hamas to restore its military capabilities in Jabalia and the IDF is working to dismantle them.” On Saturday, the IDF initiated the evacuation in Zeitoun and Jabalia by dropping flyers and sending SMS messages to residents, directing them to relocate to safe zones in Gaza City. Meanwhile, US officials continue to express strong opposition to military actions in Rafah. In a conversation on Sunday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated American objections to a large-scale operation there. According to a State Department statement, Blinken “reaffirmed the US opposition to a major military ground operation in Rafah, where over one million people have taken shelter.” He added, “The secretary underscored the urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza and urged the minister to ensure assistance can move into Gaza and help address distribution challenges inside of Gaza as Israel pursues Hamas targets.” Following the call with Secretary Blinkin, a statement from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s office detailed the conversation about “developments in Gaza, including IDF operations across the Strip in the face of terror hotspots and the precise operation in the Rafah area against remaining Hamas battalions, while securing the crossing,” referring to the Gaza-Egypt border area. Israeli troops took control of the Gaza side of the crossing last week. UN Cuts By More Than Half The Number of Women and Children Who Were Killed in Gaza The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has significantly reduced the previously reported numbers of female and child casualties in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with the revised figures now showing more than a 50% decrease. These updated counts rely on data from the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, not independent sources. Until May 6, OCHA relied on the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office (GMO) for casualty figures, reporting a death toll of over 34,000, including disproportionately high numbers of women and children. These figures showed 9,500 women and over 14,500 children among the casualties, representing 27% and 42% of the total, respectively. However, on May 8, OCHA updated its figures. Although the overall reported death toll slightly increased to 34,844, the agency revised the count of “identified” fatalities down to 24,686, with 4,959 women (20%) and 7,797 children (32%). This adjustment marked a significant reduction, with the number of women and children reported killed decreasing by 52% and 53%, respectively. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israeli estimates suggest around 14,000 terrorists have been killed in recent conflicts, with the IDF reporting a slightly higher figure of 15,000. Additionally, approximately 16,000 civilian lives have been lost, resulting in a civilian casualty rate of 53%. In an interview released on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that the death toll ratio between Hamas combatants and Gazan civilians is roughly one-to-one. On October 7, attacks by Hamas on communities near the Gaza border led to at least 1,200 fatalities. Additionally, 240 Israelis and foreigners were captured as hostages, with 132 hostages still in captivity. However, approximately 30 of the 132 remaining hostages are presumed dead. The post Israel Escalates Strikes on 120 Terror Targets Across Gaza Amid Mass Evacuation from Rafah appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Agreed, but something that I think doesn't get the attention it deserves is that our society has experienced some remarkably profound changes due to our tech. One of the results of that is that we have an exceptionally wide generation gap. It really makes for a different sort of culture. With access to phones and internet hitting at very early ages people are getting wired for instant gratification. A post like your own might well be responded to with tl;dr (too long; didn't read) by young people today. It's chemical as much as it is cultural. The steady stream of likes and communications triggers brain chemistry and can qualify as a low grade addition. I didn't know people were turning to the Orthodox Church. That's an interesting point. Speaking for myself both of your observations ring true for me, though it wasn't a feminization thing so much as just not feeling a sense of belonging or fitting in outside of the youth group. The fellowship at the churches I attended often felt a bit superficial. A few minutes of going around shaking hands every Sunday feels pretty empty when you're walking miles to church with a bad back and no one thinks to even offer a ride. Similarly I felt that I got more out of my church's youth group and Sunday school than the normal sermons because of the format. There were questions, discussions, and interactions. It felt consistently engaging, productive, and educational.

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Israel began its 76th Independence Day with subdued celebrations due to ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The annual torch-lighting ceremony was pre-recorded and broadcast Monday night, marking the first Independence Day since the escalation of hostilities on October 7. The traditional torch-lighting ceremony, which transitions from Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, to Independence Day, was pre-recorded this year without a live audience due to security concerns. Typically broadcast live, the event was filmed in advance to possibly avoid the disruptions seen at several Memorial Day ceremonies earlier. The event commenced with beacon lightings to honor Israelis and foreign nationals killed in the ongoing conflict. Torches were ignited in Zikim, Sderot, and other southern cities, including near Kibbutz Re’im, the site of the tragic loss of 364 attendees at the Supernova music festival on October 7th due to a Hamas attack. On Sunday, Netanyahu met with the torchbearers, drawing a parallel between the current U.S. arms embargo and a similar situation during the 1948 War of Independence when Arab armies attempted to wipe out the newly formed state of Israel. “You represent the heroes of the spirit and of action among our people. … In the War of Independence [in 1948], we were the size of a grain of sand—600,000 people along the coast, with our backs to the sea, without weapons,” Netanyahu explained to the honorees. He continued, “By the way, there was a U.S. embargo then, [we were] without means, and opposite us were five Arab armies—and we won. How did we win? With heroes of the spirit and of action. With the spirit of our people. That was our secret weapon; we have no other weapon. There are, but without this weapon, there is nothing. This is what you represent today.” The main Independence Day event was further subdued to honor the requests from family members of the 132 hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza. In the pre-recorded state ceremony, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana delivered a message addressing the 132 hostages currently detained in Gaza. “The State of Israel was not there on October 7 in its full strength and power as we all expected it to be, but since then, it has been working every day to return you home to your families,” Ohana said. He added, “all of those serving in the Israeli security forces are fighting tirelessly for your release.” “All Israelis await your return. All synagogues in Israel and in the Diaspora are praying for your well-being. We will not despair and we will not give up. Do not lose hope,” Ohana stated. Israeli President Isaac Herzog remarked that Israel’s 76th year has been “marked by enormous pain and loss,” affecting not only the Jewish state but “Jewish communities throughout the world.” He highlighted the “shocking scale of the re-emergence of antisemitism in so many forms throughout the world” and noted in a video posted online, “There is no question that this year, our Independence Day celebrations are different.” Despite the past seven months being filled with suffering, Herzog emphasized they have also been a period of significant achievements. “They have reminded us why we rose up from tragedy and found the strength and determination to establish a beautiful and beloved national home — the miracle that is the State of Israel.” He continued, “They have reminded us, also, of our core qualities, of our power as a people to stand up, again and again, against hatred. To survive and speak our truth. Of our deep and sustaining caring for one another. Of our connection to the call that we have carried across the ages: To do good, to pursue peace, and to repair our fractured world,” he declared. The post Israel Commemorates its 76th Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict with Hamas appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Parasha: Kedoshim (Holy Ones) Leviticus 19:1-20:27 Chapter 19 starts with the words; “Ye shall be Holy for I am Holy”. When we look at the original Hebrew we read; “Amarta Aleichem Kadoshim ti’hiyu Ki Kadosh Ani” But there is something different in the two words; “Kadoshim” (ones who are holy) and Kadosh (Holy ONE). The word “Be ye Holy” in the original Hebrew has 5 letters, and the word “Kadosh” has 4 letters. The biggest difference is that the “o” in “Kadoshim” is not present, but it IS present in “Kadosh”. If we write these words in English, they would be “Kadshim” and “Kadosh” Why? There is a missing letter “Vav” The “vav” is pronounced as either “v” “o” or “u”. It symbolizes the “nail”. Perfect Holiness without sin is only Adonai! He alone has the “vav” He took the “nail” for our sins. Our Holiness is lacking, we are not perfect as we have the sin nature, therefore, our Holiness can not carry the “Vav” Some people have the wrong idea about the word "Holy" or "Holiness". Some might think it is to be almost sinless and perfect like God, yet only God is 100% Holy, as explained using the letter "Vav". Yet in reality, the word "Kadosh" or "Holy" is to be "separate". Separated from the lost world of perdition and set aside to do the work of God. God separated the people of Israel, as he has separated ALL believers, to do His work and to abide by HIS commandments. When we live a lifestyle based on His commandments, we are revealing a "Holy" lifestyle to those around us and thus we can be a good witnessing tool to the lost. We have been "saved" by faith to walk in "holiness. " The first thing that is said is: "Honor your mother and father and keep my sabbaths" We see that God starts with family relationships, honoring those who have raised us, and to rest on the Sabbath. What a wonderful way to spend the Sabbath, being with our families and just enjoying the company of Mom and Dad (if they are still alive) and If not, with our siblings, brothers, sisters, and other family members. Chapter 19 deals with quite a variety of commandments; “You shall not profane the name of the LORD thy YHVH; You shall love thy neighbor as thyself, I AM YHVH”. All of the 613 commandments of God have to do with honoring YHVH and our relationship with our fellow man. When we honor and love the LORD with all of our heart, we are honoring and not profaning the Name YHVH. When we honor and treat our fellow man well and try to establish a good relationship with him or her, we are, in a matter of sense, keeping the whole Torah, (in a general sense). When we are a bad witness before our fellow man, when we are an embarrassment because our sins are brought into the light, then, we are profaning the name of YHVH. ” You shall not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling block before the blind” (19:14) When one talks about another in a negative sense or spreads an “untruth” and the “other” cannot hear what is being said, it is as if that person is “deaf”. We need to be honest and truthful. If we have something we wish to discuss with a person, we need to do it face-to-face, and not behind the back. When we misrepresent the Truth of God, teach or spread false teaching whether on purpose or by error, we are in a way a “stumbling block” before someone who does not know Yeshua “The blind” (spiritually). “You shall not sow your field with mixed seed” (19:19) because each plant takes away from the soil nutrients, planting a mixture of crops will very soon deplete the soil of all of its nutrients, thus weakening the soil. Another example is plowing with an ox and a donkey, mixing fabrics (linen and wool) An ox is stronger than a donkey, and will make the donkey suffer under unneeded stress. The wool will shrink and pull away from the linen, thus ruining the fabric. We are talking about being "unequally yoked". The same can be said about a marriage, a business association, etc. “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor TATTOO any marks on you I AM YHVH! That is quite a statement. I am of the opinion that if God wanted us to have tattoos on our bodies, we would have been born with them. Why can’t people be happy with the bodies God gave them? Why do they have to alter them with drawings and markings? But such was the custom of the pagan cultures like the Canaanites, Moabites, etc., and it continues today. However, the blood of Yeshua covers, cleanses, and forgives ALL sin, even the sin of tattooing, yet tattooing is one sin that will leave its mark forever! (unless it is somehow removed) ” uncovering the nakedness of ….” This is another way of saying, “having sex” Chapter 20 takes up that topic again along with other topics. Adultery, under Torah's command, resulted in the death penalty, if this were effective today, how many couples would be true to each other? Perhaps many more than we imagine. It seems like sexuality is a serious issue with our creator. If it is serious with Him, it should be with us as well. When we follow the Torah of Adonai and put his commandments into practice with all of our heart, we are consecrating ourselves to Him, as “Kedoshim and Tzadikim” (holy and righteous ones) however always remember, that “SALVATION” comes ONLY through FAITH IN YESHUA! It is our faith in HIM that makes us Holy and Righteous, and this relationship leads us to Holy and Righteous works, which are obedience to his mitzvoth (commandments)

Parasha: Kedoshim (Holy Ones) Leviticus 19:1-20:27 Chapter 19 starts with the words; “Ye shall be Holy for I am Holy”. When we look at the original Hebrew we read; “Amarta Aleichem Kadoshim ti’hiyu Ki Kadosh Ani” But there is something different in the two words; “Kadoshim” (ones who are holy) and Kadosh (Holy ONE). The word “Be ye Holy” in the original Hebrew has 5 letters, and the word “Kadosh” has 4 letters. The biggest difference is that the “o” in “Kadoshim” is not present, but it IS present in “Kadosh”. If we write these words in English, they would be “Kadshim” and “Kadosh” Why? There is a missing letter “Vav” The “vav” is pronounced as either “v” “o” or “u”. It symbolizes the “nail”. Perfect Holiness without sin is only Adonai! He alone has the “vav” He took the “nail” for our sins. Our Holiness is lacking, we are not perfect as we have the sin nature, therefore, our Holiness can not carry the “Vav” Some people have the wrong idea about the word "Holy" or "Holiness". Some might think it is to be almost sinless and perfect like God, yet only God is 100% Holy, as explained using the letter "Vav". Yet in reality, the word "Kadosh" or "Holy" is to be "separate". Separated from the lost world of perdition and set aside to do the work of God. God separated the people of Israel, as he has separated ALL believers, to do His work and to abide by HIS commandments. When we live a lifestyle based on His commandments, we are revealing a "Holy" lifestyle to those around us and thus we can be a good witnessing tool to the lost. We have been "saved" by faith to walk in "holiness. " The first thing that is said is: "Honor your mother and father and keep my sabbaths" We see that God starts with family relationships, honoring those who have raised us, and to rest on the Sabbath. What a wonderful way to spend the Sabbath, being with our families and just enjoying the company of Mom and Dad (if they are still alive) and If not, with our siblings, brothers, sisters, and other family members. Chapter 19 deals with quite a variety of commandments; “You shall not profane the name of the LORD thy YHVH; You shall love thy neighbor as thyself, I AM YHVH”. All of the 613 commandments of God have to do with honoring YHVH and our relationship with our fellow man. When we honor and love the LORD with all of our heart, we are honoring and not profaning the Name YHVH. When we honor and treat our fellow man well and try to establish a good relationship with him or her, we are, in a matter of sense, keeping the whole Torah, (in a general sense). When we are a bad witness before our fellow man, when we are an embarrassment because our sins are brought into the light, then, we are profaning the name of YHVH. ” You shall not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling block before the blind” (19:14) When one talks about another in a negative sense or spreads an “untruth” and the “other” cannot hear what is being said, it is as if that person is “deaf”. We need to be honest and truthful. If we have something we wish to discuss with a person, we need to do it face-to-face, and not behind the back. When we misrepresent the Truth of God, teach or spread false teaching whether on purpose or by error, we are in a way a “stumbling block” before someone who does not know Yeshua “The blind” (spiritually). “You shall not sow your field with mixed seed” (19:19) because each plant takes away from the soil nutrients, planting a mixture of crops will very soon deplete the soil of all of its nutrients, thus weakening the soil. Another example is plowing with an ox and a donkey, mixing fabrics (linen and wool) An ox is stronger than a donkey, and will make the donkey suffer under unneeded stress. The wool will shrink and pull away from the linen, thus ruining the fabric. We are talking about being "unequally yoked". The same can be said about a marriage, a business association, etc. “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor TATTOO any marks on you I AM YHVH! That is quite a statement. I am of the opinion that if God wanted us to have tattoos on our bodies, we would have been born with them. Why can’t people be happy with the bodies God gave them? Why do they have to alter them with drawings and markings? But such was the custom of the pagan cultures like the Canaanites, Moabites, etc., and it continues today. However, the blood of Yeshua covers, cleanses, and forgives ALL sin, even the sin of tattooing, yet tattooing is one sin that will leave its mark forever! (unless it is somehow removed) ” uncovering the nakedness of ….” This is another way of saying, “having sex” Chapter 20 takes up that topic again along with other topics. Adultery, under Torah's command, resulted in the death penalty, if this were effective today, how many couples would be true to each other? Perhaps many more than we imagine. It seems like sexuality is a serious issue with our creator. If it is serious with Him, it should be with us as well. When we follow the Torah of Adonai and put his commandments into practice with all of our heart, we are consecrating ourselves to Him, as “Kedoshim and Tzadikim” (holy and righteous ones) however always remember, that “SALVATION” comes ONLY through FAITH IN YESHUA! It is our faith in HIM that makes us Holy and Righteous, and this relationship leads us to Holy and Righteous works, which are obedience to his mitzvoth (commandments)

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Congress has spent more money on interest so far this year than it has spent on both national defense and Medicare. Spending on net interest hit $514 billion in the first seven months of fiscal year 2024. That’s more than spending on both national defense ($498 billion) and Medicare ($465 billion). Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those 65 and older and younger people with disabilities. During the same time period, the U.S. spent $873 billion on Social Security, the federal program that provides retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits to more than 67 million Americans. Overall spending has totaled $3.9 trillion so far this fiscal year. “Spending on interest is also more than all the money spent this year on veterans, education, and transportation combined,” according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. U.S. interest spending is expected to increase in the coming years. In March, the Congressional Budget Office projected “interest costs more than double in relation to GDP between 2024 and 2054, driven by rising interest rates and growing debt.” In February, a report from the U.S Government Accountability Office found federal spending is projected to remain unsustainable in the decades to come. “The federal government faces an unsustainable long-term fiscal path,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office report. “We project that debt held by the public as a share of the economy will more than double over the next 30 years and will grow faster than the economy over the long term if current revenue and spending policies are not changed.” The post U.S. Spending on Interest Tops National Defense, Medicare appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Two things: * The feminization of many churches, where many men just do not have a sense of being welcomed and perhaps it plays into a large number of young men seeking fellowship in the Orthodox Church. * The never exiting the shallow teachings of the many churches. Never delving into the meat of Christianity, just keeping it shallow and mellow.

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor (Worthy News) – The majority of U.S. banks are targeting clients based on their political and religious beliefs, a new report found. Banks are doing so partially in response to Biden administration directives, a U.S. House Judiciary Committee investigation found through the efforts of its Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The subcommittee is holding its tenth hearing on the “weaponization of the federal government” against Americans on Wednesday after spending years addressing the issue. At a recent hearing, Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Jeremy Tedesco cited examples of the federal government “attempting an end-run around the Constitution by outsourcing censorship to some of the most powerful corporations the world has ever known.” ADF published its second annual Viewpoint Diversity Score Business Index, which found that nearly half of the largest finance companies “use problematic terms of service” and seven of the 10 largest commercial banks “maintain problematic reputational risk” or “hate speech policies.” The Index scored 75 leading technology platforms, banks, financial service providers, and media companies on 42 benchmarks related to viewpoint-based cancellations, employee policies related to religious and social beliefs, institutional advocacy efforts related to religious freedom, free speech, and transparency, among others. ADF identified red flags including companies mandating vendors implement so-called Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies, promoting so-called Critical Race Theory policies, prohibiting employees from creating faith-based Employee Resource Groups and from giving to religious charities; implementing policies “that likely discriminate against religious nonprofits by preventing them from receiving corporate grants or discounts because of what they say or believe,” among others. Since releasing its 2022 index, ADF says eight companies improved their overall scores: Fidelity National Information Services, M&T Bank, GoDaddy, Citigroup, Silicon Valley Bank, Morgan Stanley, Meta, and Adobe. It notes that within one year, JP Morgan Chase reversed its “politicized de-banking policies.” Airbnb, Alphabet, Amazon, ebay and Microsoft received the worst scores. The Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government also has released reports related to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network “colluding with” the largest U.S. financial institutions to monitor customers based on their ideological beliefs based on a “discredited and morally bankrupt Southern Poverty Law Center list.” The SPLC labeled Christian organizations, including ADF, the Family Research Council, Liberty Counsel, Pacific Justice Institute, Ruth Institute, and others, as among “1,225 hate and antigovernment extremist groups.” Over the years, the subcommittee has released reports on “the weaponization of the federal government,” including the FBI targeting Roman Catholic Americans and parents at school board meetings, The Center Square reported. The subcommittee’s 10th weaponization hearing on Wednesday will examine the “use of lawfare tactics to weaponize the rule of law.” The hearings are the first of their kind at a time when federal censorship efforts have escalated. Under the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security announced its plan to create the first “disinformation board” to censor Americans tapping a director who sang about political opponents “laundering disinformation” to a Disney themed-Mary Poppins melody, The Center Square reported. DHS has since canceled the creation of the bureau. The subcommittee held six hearings on the “weaponization of the federal government” in 2023 and three so far this year. They have addressed the “politicization” of the FBI and Department of Justice “attack[ing] American civil liberties;” federal employees directing social media companies to censor users’ speech, including after the “Twitter files” were released; FBI whistleblowers’ allegations of retaliation; “Big Tech’s collusion with out-of-control government agencies to silence speech” including the use of “AI-powered censorship and propaganda tools;” big banks surveilling Americans’ private financial data based on alleged political or religious beliefs; and the “Biden White House’s censorship regime.” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Report: 70% of Banks Target Clients Based on Conservative, Religious Beliefs appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – People worldwide watched the heavens Monday after a series of powerful solar storms colored skies across the Northern Hemisphere, causing radio blackouts and havoc for farmers relying on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigational technology. The strongest geomagnetic storm in more than 20 years slammed Earth on Friday, with explosions of plasma and magnetic fields turning into spectacle displays of the Northern Lights in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, and beyond. Officials have said the dazzling light shows could continue for several more days after a weekend that some farmers wished didn’t happen. Many farmers have come to rely on GPS and similar technology to help them plant more efficiently and precisely by keeping rows straight and avoiding gaps or overlaps. But over the weekend, some of those operations in the Midwest, as well as in other parts of the United States and Canada, reportedly temporarily ground to a halt. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this,” said Patrick O’Connor, the owner of a farm about 80 miles (128 kilometers) south of Minneapolis that mainly grows corn and soybean. Instead of planting corn, O’Connor told The New York Times newspaper that he prepared a different field for planting, all while taking in the “phenomenal” colors of the sky. “It interrupted my evening, but I still was in the field,” he added. GLORY LIGHTS “I was able to see the Northern Lights in all their glory,” O’Conner recalled. On Monday, officials warned the storms aren’t yet over. Experts say the Aurora Borealis — the phenomenon more commonly known as the Northern Lights — happens because of a molecular collision in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere that causes bursts of energy to be released in the form of visible light. The Northern Lights have a counterpart, the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights, the same phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere. These light shows can be visible for as much as half the year in certain places near the Earth’s two poles, but it’s unusual to see them in areas closer to the equator. That is why the spectacles over North America, Europe, and other places on similar latitudes “were such a treat” in the last few days, skywatchers said. These light-filled solar storms also briefly took away the attention of turbulence and darkness in the world. The post Solar Storms With Northern Lights Seen Worldwide Impacting Harvests, Radio Signals appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News AMSTERDAM (Worthy News) – Dutch riot police armed with batons ended a violent anti-Israel protest at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Monday, the latest in a series of rallies at universities in the Netherlands that saw Jewish students fear their future. Monday’s clashes came after the pro-Palestine crowd, many of them wearing masks and Palestinian scarfs, entered a university building where they vandalized the complex. Footage seen by Worthy News saw computers, a television, coffee, and candy machines smashed, while graffiti was painted on the ground, walls, windows, and desks, including slogans such as “free Palestine.” Reporters were attacked and forced to leave the building, with riot police initially seemingly unable to end the protest. They later pushed backed protesters near the building and eventually forced those inside to leave, Worthy News monitored. The violence broke out after students and staff organized a walkout of universities across the Netherlands on Monday morning. They called for the Dutch universities to halt their complicity in “the ongoing genocide” in Gaza. The protesters said the Dutch institutions should halt their ties with Israeli universities and other organizations and denounced “violent methods” that the police allegedly used to “suppress” peaceful protesters. NATIONAL WALKOUT The university said in a statement that “The National Walkout protest that started peacefully has unfortunately turned into an occupation” of the UvA’s Roeterseiland campus building, calling on protestors to leave. UvA called police to the site, who confirmed the massive destruction by demonstrators. Damage is estimated at least 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) so far. Sarah Bracke, a professor of sociology of gender and sexuality at UvA, said on X that she and her colleagues were “horrified” by the university’s executive board’s actions. “For three consecutive days, they have authorized extreme police violence towards their staff and students, who were engaged in non-violent protest on campus against UvA’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” she stressed. “We are shocked by the absolute disregard, disrespect, and general unwillingness of the Board towards its students and staff.” Last Monday evening, Dutch police arrested over 100 people when breaking up an encampment at the university. In recent weeks, protests against Israel’s assault on Gaza have taken place on campuses around Europe. Riot police also intervened to disband a demonstration camp on the university grounds last week, resorting to force against some protesters and dismantling their tents. BELGIAN PROTESTS In neighboring Belgium, students also joined the growing Dutch wave of anti-Israel and pro-Palestine protests, asking for an academic boycott at the Free University of Brussels (VUB) amid Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The university students and other protesters, many speaking English, occupied the dining hall where they set their tents, blankets, carpets, sleeping bags, and food, reporters witnessed. The demonstrators said they would only leave once the university cut all academic ties with Israel. Similar events also occurred in Ghent, Liège, and Brussels francophone universities. Back in Amsterdam, a Jewish man wearing a Yarmulke watched in protest unfold in the distance. “I am not supporting this protest, but I am happy if it remains peaceful,” he said. There have been numerous cases of antisemitism in the Netherlands since the war in Gaza broke out, triggered by the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7 of some 1,200 people, including babies and raped, as well as the abduction of hundreds of others. No Dutch university protests were reported on or shortly after the October 7 bloodshed, the worst single atrocities against Jews since the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 civilians during Israel’s military operation in Gaza. However, Netanyahu said Hamas was hiding among civilians and forces many at gunpoint to stay in areas and at sites where Israeli strikes are expected. The post Dutch Police Breakup Violent Anti-Israel Protest At Amsterdam University appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Actually the way the non-denominational church that baptized me normally works is they have baptism classes. But I was rushed by my "GENIUS" parents into getting baptized without a baptism class so I could go overseas to get married to a girl that I didn't even have the time to get to know before i got married. (Please detect the sarcasm.) In case you're wondering why i went overseas to get married, let's just say that someone BSed me real good by telling me that supermodels would be lining up to marry me. Total lie by the way. A US passport only gets you so far. The church brother responsible for my baptism only asked me a few questions about Jesus at church before agreeing to baptize me and i told them some story about something that happened to me as a child and I probably just gave Jesus the credit for my injury healing or something like that. And that was enough for them to agree to baptize me apparently. Probably because my mom is a church goer. The way this non-denominational church functions is different from some churches i've been to afterwards. The classes for baptism are held upstairs and not in the worship area that we typically sit in. There's different responsible brothers who speak in church sometimes citing bible verses. But none of them have official titles like Pastor or Elder or Deacon. It makes it very hard for me to figure out who to go to for guidance. They go to some Christian conferences quite often. and they have brothers and sisters come up to do public testimonies. But I barely received any guidance on how to properly do a testimony or the importance of the words i said. Because a fellow brother in church told me that it's about Jesus and not me, i decided to include a bible verse like I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me. in my public testimony, but even though that bible verse is true. My faith is not so unwavering that I can confidently say that I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me. The verse is true but I wonder if my testimony is false because my faith hasn't proven to be unwavering. I even don't dare partake in communion because quite often i've ended up having arguments with the wife after partaking in communion for some odd reason. But when i don't partake in communion, i've rarely had arguments with the wife. The other thing that this church does is I see random people praying out loud during service time and it is something i have never seen at other churches. The only other thing that i saw in other churches (not the non-denominational one) is people praying in tongues out loud(the entire church). I have even questioned whether my baptism is valid since they never told me to repent of my sins before baptism. They just kind of gave me the impression that I could keep sinning after getting baptized without consequences. Afterwards, there was a brief period where I doubted whether my baptism is valid. I also don't remember what words were mentioned during my baptism. And the really confusing thing about this church is every brother who does baptism at this church says something different during their baptizing of other people. Some people say The church baptizes you in the name of the father, son, and holy ghost into Christ Jesus and some just mention that i baptize you in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit. So any suggestions or tips to fix my faith in God. Thanks in advance for any wisdom. Another thing I will share about this church is it is one of the few churches I have seen that doesn't have a CROSS in the building's worship area.

Ok, but it is not the biblical temple of God, nor do I believe God Himself would compel Paul to so reference it or any other structure as such. Dan 9:27 - And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations He shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Everywhere a temple is mentioned in scripture, its purpose is clarified. Scripture is given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for He is the Author. Ezr 5:14 - And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon... Mt 26:61 - And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. John 2:21 - But He spake of the temple of His body. Acts 19:27 - ...the temple of the great goddess Diana 1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. The last temple defined as a "Temple of God" is that of the individual bodies of men, and that by the Apostle Paul. Therefore, when Paul speaks of the "man of sin," that "son of perdition" who shall "sit in the temple of God," it was historically understood by the protestant fathers and some earlier church fathers to be the position of the papacy, a false apostle like Judas, but one who claims to the incarnate representation of God. This is clearly seen in the letter to King James by the translators - "...And this their contentment doth not diminish or decay, but every day increaseth and taketh strength, when they observe, that the zeal of Your Majesty toward the house of God doth not slack or go backward, but is more and more kindled, manifesting itself abroad in the farthest parts of Christendom, by writing in defense of the Truth, (which hath given such a blow unto that man of sin, as will not be healed)..." Furthermore, it can be seen historically how both Constantine’s alleged conversion to Christianity and the decline and eventual fall of Rome gave way to the Rise of Roman Catholicism and the papacy. For these, and many other reasons, it becomes evident why those Christians, who were mercilessly persecuted for centuries for clinging to their faith in Christ Jesus, refused to acknowledge as legitimate the usurped authority of Catholicism and the Papacy. Those early believers who were mercilessly persecuted commonly considered Catholicism to be a profane institution, that “great apostasy,” and wholeheartedly viewed the position of the papacy as “that man of sin [which would] be revealed, the son of perdition.” Again, and not trying to be redundant, in this light it should be easy to see why it would be wisdom for Paul to be elusive and not to write in his Epistle to the Thessalonians that Rome was going to have to fall to make way for this great apostasy and the son of perdition. Furthermore, the phrase “son of perdition” is only used twice in scripture, once by Jesus in reference to Judas who ended up being a false apostle, and here again used by Paul in reference I believe to the position of the papacy, which Catholicism is said to be overseen by a continuation of apostles now referred to as popes. But again, historically, in the eyes of true Protestants the popes have all been false apostles and betrayers of truth of the gospel just as surely as Judas was. Permit me as well to submit a plausible reason for Paul's brevity in writing to the Thessalonians “Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?” For Paul would have easily been able to preach to the brethren at Thessalonica that after “the wrath to come” of God judging the Jews, that Rome too, like the three empires before it, would eventually fall. This is easy to see both in the depiction of Rome in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of “a great image” that represented these four great empires and Daniel’s vision of the “four great beasts which came up from the sea, diverse one from another.” Remember as well, that Paul and Silas were accused, beaten, and thrown in jail in Philippi for teaching customs which are not lawful to receive, neither to observe for the Romans. Then shortly afterwards, Paul and Silas go to Thessalonica, only to have to flee because a strong accusation was asserted that “Jason and those he had received [Paul and Silas], were doing things that were contrary to the decrees of Caesar, and saying that there is another king, one Jesus.” These charges asserted treason and seditious activity, crimes which carried the penalty of death in Rome, which is an excellent reason for not writing it in his epistle to them. Also, we can see through scripture how it is evident Paul preached on the “wrath to come,” which agrees with Jesus’ prophecy concerning Jerusalem and Israel which the other apostles would have shared with him. Therefore, not only could Paul have taught the Thessalonians about the fall of Rome from scripture, he must likely did with confidence via a revelation the Holy Spirit revealed to him concerning the events leading to the rise of the apostacy and man of sin. Furthermore, Paul is seen in Acts 13 quoting Habakkuk while in Antioch earlier before his coming to Thessalonica to the Jews, confirming to them the destruction that was coming to Jerusalem. Habakkuk 1:5 – Behold you among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which you will not believe, though it be told you. 6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs. 7 They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. Acts 13:16 – Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and you that fear God, give audience… 40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. In quoting Habakkuk, Paul rebukes the Jews for being “despisers” of God’s word which was now being revealed to them through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, he warns them that if they did not repent, they too were going to perish just as those Jews did when the Chaldeans first destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. Yet we know from history that the coming destruction of which Paul was warning them was not going to be by the Chaldeans this time: rather Rome was going to be the instrument of God’s wrath whereby once more Zion was going to “be plowed as a field” and Jerusalem again destined to “become heaps.” However, what is important is that there are scriptures in Daniel which speak of this happening again to Jerusalem whereby Paul could and would have taught all this to the Thessalonians.

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